State legislators need to rethink process for runoff elections

Published: Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 3:22 p.m.

The next 2014 election in North Carolina is 10 days away — but few people will be paying attention. The July 15 ballot will only feature runoffs; in Davidson County, that means only Democratic voters in the 5th Congressional District will have a contested race. North Carolina needs to revisit the process for requiring runoffs when a candidate doesn't garner 40 percent of the vote in a primary. Turnout for a runoff is always abysmal, and counties must bear the cost of holding the extra election. Perhaps that's one change to which Republicans and Democrats in Raleigh could agree.

A couple of other election-related thoughts: Campaign signs remain on display for some candidates who lost in the May primary. Part of running for office means removing signs after the election, win or lose. Those who lost but still have signs along roads should spend some time retrieving them. And it's not too late for those interested in running for a seat on the Davidson County Board of Education to file for office. They have until July 25 to do so.

Cities often contain unique sounds, whether they involve trains rumbling through, the sound of a river, regular car honks or others. While the old whistle at the furniture plants no longer sounds in Lexington, the First Reformed United Church of Christ carillon continues to offer regular chimes and hymns. The carillon has operated noncontinuously since 1942. Those who work and visit downtown may often find themselves humming along to a familiar old hymn. It truly serves as one of the more unique ministries among downtown churches.

Davidson County Government will lose a key figure when Zeb Hanner departs at the end of the month for a new job as city manager in Archdale. Hanner, who has worked for the county since 2001 and as assistant manager for 10 years, played a major role in developing each year's budget and gave direction and oversight to numerous departments and projects. The Dispatch often quoted him about those county efforts. As commissioners' chairman Larry Potts very accurately said, Hanner had an excellent relationship with all those with whom he came in contact.

Seeing the front of the Old Davidson County Court House put a smile on faces of those driving or walking past the iconic structure this week. The renovation won't be complete for a few more weeks, but progress has reached the point that the white plastic wrap and scaffolding came off the front part of the building. Work began in September 2013 and will total over $800,000 when done. But the renovations provide not only an important face-lift for the historic building but an opportunity for its occupant, the Davidson County Historical Museum, to ramp up its offerings.

<p>The next <B>2014 election</B> in North Carolina is 10 days away — but few people will be paying attention. The July 15 ballot will only feature runoffs; in Davidson County, that means only Democratic voters in the 5th Congressional District will have a contested race. North Carolina needs to revisit the process for requiring runoffs when a candidate doesn't garner 40 percent of the vote in a primary. Turnout for a runoff is always abysmal, and counties must bear the cost of holding the extra election. Perhaps that's one change to which Republicans and Democrats in Raleigh could agree.</p><p>A couple of other election-related thoughts: Campaign signs remain on display for some candidates who lost in the May primary. Part of running for office means removing signs after the election, win or lose. Those who lost but still have signs along roads should spend some time retrieving them. And it's not too late for those interested in running for a seat on the Davidson County Board of Education to file for office. They have until July 25 to do so.</p><p>Cities often contain <B>unique sounds</B>, whether they involve trains rumbling through, the sound of a river, regular car honks or others. While the old whistle at the furniture plants no longer sounds in Lexington, the First Reformed United Church of Christ carillon continues to offer regular chimes and hymns. The carillon has operated noncontinuously since 1942. Those who work and visit downtown may often find themselves humming along to a familiar old hymn. It truly serves as one of the more unique ministries among downtown churches.</p><p>Davidson County Government will lose a key figure when <B>Zeb Hanner </B>departs at the end of the month for a new job as city manager in Archdale. Hanner, who has worked for the county since 2001 and as assistant manager for 10 years, played a major role in developing each year's budget and gave direction and oversight to numerous departments and projects. The Dispatch often quoted him about those county efforts. As commissioners' chairman Larry Potts very accurately said, Hanner had an excellent relationship with all those with whom he came in contact. </p><p>Seeing the front of the <B>Old Davidson County Court House</B> put a smile on faces of those driving or walking past the iconic structure this week. The renovation won't be complete for a few more weeks, but progress has reached the point that the white plastic wrap and scaffolding came off the front part of the building. Work began in September 2013 and will total over $800,000 when done. But the renovations provide not only an important face-lift for the historic building but an opportunity for its occupant, the Davidson County Historical Museum, to ramp up its offerings.</p>